Assignment Instructions:
Course: Diagnosis, Symptom, and Illness Management
Title: Comprehensive Case Study - Diagnostic and Treatment Management Plan
Main Diagnosis: Right Knee Osteoarthritis
Purpose and Learning Outcomes:
This signature assignment aligns with the following course and program outcomes:
- Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning in diagnosing acute and chronic illness
- Develop evidence-based management plans
- Integrate social determinants of health and cultural competence into care
- Apply current guidelines to clinical decision-making
Assignment Overview:
You will develop and submit a comprehensive, evidence-based case study analyzing a complex patient presentation. This assignment demonstrates your ability to collect and synthesize clinical data, formulate accurate differential diagnoses, and implement a patient-centered treatment plan grounded in current practice guidelines. Need Assignment Help?
Case Study Requirements:
1. Patient Scenario (Real or Simulated):
- Age, sex, race/ethnicity
- Chief complaint (CC)
- History of Present Illness (HPI)
- Past Medical History (PMH)
- Family History (FH)
- Social History (SH) Review of Systems (ROS)
- Physical Examination Findings (PE)
2. Differential Diagnosis:
- List at least 3 differential diagnoses
- Justify each differential using:
- Presenting signs/symptoms
- Pathophysiology
- Risk factors
- Diagnostic criteria
3. Final Diagnosis:
- Identify the most likely diagnosis
- Explain the rationale
- Cite at least two current evidence-based guidelines or scholarly sources
4. Diagnostic Workup Plan:
- Labs, imaging, or additional testing
- Provide rationale for each
5. Treatment & Management Plan:
- Non-pharmacologic interventions
- Patient education
- Follow-up and referrals, if needed
6. Cultural, Ethical, or Socioeconomic Considerations:
- Address any relevant patient-specific factors that influence care
7. Evaluation of Outcomes:
- How will you measure the effectiveness of your treatment plan?
- Short- and long-term follow-up goals
Formatting Guidelines:
- APA 7th edition formatting
- 4-6 pages (excluding title and reference pages)
- Minimum of 3 peer-reviewed or clinical guideline references (within 5 years)
- Use headings for organization (MRU School)